The Pie Guy Podcast

In this heartfelt episode of The Pie Guy Podcast, host Matt Walker catches up with his cousin's cousin, Brooklyn native Harry O'Reilly—a veteran actor, director, and writer with over 30 years in Hollywood. From his breakout as Pvt. Michael Duffy in the gritty Vietnam War drama Hamburger Hill (1987) to dishing witty banter as Wes McGregor in the Gen-X rom-com Reality Bites (1994), Harry's career highlights include channeling deadpan frustration as Steven's boss opposite Jim Carrey in The Cable Guy (1996) and suiting up as Special Agent Dansk in the ensemble heist flick Tower Heist (2011).The two dive into Harry's athletic roots—playing football for the Brooklyn Mariners, boxing, and hooping alongside future NBA legend Chris Mullin—before unpacking his bold pivot from college football scholarship to drama department, studying under legends like Geraldine Page, and landing early gigs without an agent. Expect raw stories of near-misses (like turning down Friends and a callback with Robert Redford for A River Runs Through It), the grind of auditions versus live theater, and hard-won lessons on connecting emotionally to roles over rote memorization. As a devoted dad of three who's stepped back to support his kids (including a budding filmmaker son), Harry reflects on powering down the "hamster wheel" of acting, New York vs. LA vibes, and why residuals from '90s TV beats Broadway pay.Nostalgic, scrappy, and packed with Gen-X grit, this family-fueled chat—touching on everything from The Godfather to Succession—is a reminder that the best stories come from lived truth. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and that unmistakable Brooklyn heart.

Join host Matt Walker on The Pie Guy Podcast for a nostalgic and freewheeling conversation with his longtime friend Carl Smith, founder of The Bureau of Digital in Jacksonville, FL. What begins as a plan to talk football takes a delightful detour into the world of music, creativity, and community. Carl, a passionate community builder and philosophical futurist, shares stories from his musical past—from his first Black Sabbath concert at age 12 to his deep love for Prince, the Eagles, Van Halen, and more. Matt and Carl dive into the raw energy of 80s rock, the genius of unfiltered artists like Eddie Van Halen and Dave Grohl, and the collaborative spirit of bands like the Traveling Wilburys. They lament the loss of authentic connection in modern music and celebrate the joy of creating without constraints, drawing parallels to Carl’s work with The Bureau—a vibrant 1,400-member collective where digital agency leaders share ideas, solve problems, and grow together. From tales of Prince’s boundary-pushing artistry to the communal power of a hackathon, this episode is a heartfelt ode to creativity and connection. Tune in for a fun, music-filled chat that captures the eclectic spirit of The Pie Guy Podcast!

Join host Matt Walker on Episode #11 of The Pie Guy Podcast as he dives into the world of nutrition and fitness with certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist Michelle Francoeur. From debunking food myths to sharing practical tips for healthy eating, Michelle discusses the importance of cooking at home, avoiding processed foods, and choosing fresh, organic ingredients. She also opens up about her journey from plant-based to flexitarian eating, the impact of modern food systems, and her new focus on menopause education. Whether you're navigating family meals or curious about weight loss drugs like Ozempic, this episode offers relatable insights for everyday health. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with actionable advice! Follow Michelle on Instagram @MichelleFrankerFitness for more tips.

Join host Matt Walker on the Pie Guy Podcast as he sits down with Brendon Huttmann, a strength and conditioning expert with an incredible journey from Major League Baseball to leading a human performance team for the U.S. Army. With over 20 years in MLB, Brendon worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians, rising to Director of Performance Science and serving as President of the Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society. Now, as a Department of the Army civilian, he leads a team of 25 professionals to optimize the readiness of 3,000 soldiers through holistic health and fitness. In this engaging episode, Brendon shares insights on wearable tech, the importance of sleep, coaching youth baseball, and the stark contrasts between MLB’s fast-paced world and the Army’s mission-driven culture. Tune in for a deep dive into performance, leadership, and life lessons from the field to the front lines.Listen now for an inspiring conversation packed with stories, expertise, and heart!

Join host Matt Walker for an exciting conversation with legendary sports designer Todd Radom, diving into the vibrant world of sports design, branding, and fandom. In this episode, they explore Todd’s iconic work creating logos for professional sports teams, the passionate sports culture of Philadelphia, and the evolving stadium experience that captivates fans. From the unique romanticism of baseball to the community pride fueling sports fandom, they discuss how design shapes team identity and the growing influence of AI on the creative process. Todd also shares insights into his current projects, including his work with Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league, and ponders the future of professional sports in smaller markets. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a design aficionado, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, culture, and athletics.

In this episode of the Pie Guy Podcast, host Matt Walker serves up a fresh conversation with Jamie Carlson, Director of Product Management at FOX Sports and a veteran of ESPN Fantasy Sports. From his roots in game development to leading innovative sports apps, Jamie shares his journey and the recipe for building engaging digital products. Discover how he balances casual and hardcore user needs, leverages user feedback to drive innovation, and navigates market competition in fantasy sports. With insights on the impact of daily fantasy sports, user retention strategies, and the future of sports technology, Jamie reveals why product managers must be subject matter experts to stay ahead. Whether you’re a sports fan or a product development enthusiast, this episode is packed with takeaways on creating user experiences that score big. Tune in for a slice of sports app wisdom!

In this episode of the Pie Guy Podcast, host Matthew Walker sits down with Dane Storrusten, Vice President of Creative & Brand at the NFL, to explore the art of sports branding. From his unique journey to designing iconic NFL team logos and uniforms, Dane shares insights on balancing tradition and innovation, meeting fan expectations, and leveraging technology like AI in the creative process. They dive into the collaborative nature of design, the importance of ownership, and the future of sports branding, with highlights from projects like the Chargers’ rebrand and NFL 100. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how passion and communication shape the NFL’s creative landscape.

In this dynamic episode of the Pie Guy Podcast, host Matt Walker sits down with Buddy Foy, an entrepreneurial trailblazer, restaurateur, and reality TV star, to explore his journey from spearheading e-commerce during the internet revolution to thriving in the restaurant industry in Lake George. Buddy shares the challenges of his early online ventures, the bold transition to hospitality, and the therapeutic impact of showcasing family dynamics on reality TV, noting, “Reality TV for us was real.” He emphasizes adaptability, risk-taking, and a forward-thinking mindset as keys to navigating business challenges, while highlighting how AI is revolutionizing the restaurant industry. Reflecting on his Irish cultural roots, Buddy discusses embracing conflict as part of life and the value of teaching children resilience and respect. From a chaotic past in New Jersey to a grounded present, he underscores how faith, relationships, and community drive personal growth, sharing insights like “It’s not about being first, it’s about being last” and the importance of being present for family over chasing material wealth.

Pi Guy Podcast: Exploring Design, AI, and Sports with Adam MartinJoin host Matt Walker on the Pi Guy Podcast for a captivating conversation with Adam Martin, a veteran sports designer and former podcaster. In this episode, they dive into the evolution of podcasting, the impact of design templates on sports branding, and the growing importance of accessibility in design. From the influence of AI on creative processes to the role of cultural trends and nostalgia for early internet culture, Adam shares insightful reflections from his career. Tune in to explore how technology, creativity, and innovation are shaping the future of design and brand experiences. Perfect for designers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersection of art and tech!Keywords: Podcasting, Sports Design, AI, Accessibility, Creativity, Branding, Nostalgia

Get ready for an electrifying episode as we dive into the world of AI with Chris Dessi, a visionary motivational speaker, serial tech entrepreneur, and three-time best-selling author. Known for his captivating TEDx talks and features on CNBC, CNN, and Fox News, Chris shares his journey from founding and selling Silverback Social to coaching executives and students on harnessing AI to supercharge their careers. With his expertise in building powerful personal brands, Chris reveals why AI is the cornerstone of the future, offering practical strategies to integrate it into daily tasks and challenge yourself to stay ahead. Tune in for a conversation packed with insights on resilience, leadership, and leveraging AI to transform your professional path!

In this episode of the Pi Guy Podcast, host Matt Walker interviews Joe Bosack, a legendary sports logo designer known for his work with the NHL, Alliance, and USFL. Joe shares his journey from the NHL’s first in-house creative team to founding his own branding agency, discussing the shift to digital design, crafting timeless logos, and the importance of color matching and jersey design in sports branding. He highlights community engagement in hockey, accessibility challenges, and lessons from league identities, emphasizing networking, trust, and time management in his entrepreneurial success. This episode is a must-listen for fans of sports branding and graphic design.

Had an amazing, long-form conversation with my longtime friend and current Executive Creative Director at FanDuel, Steve Giraldi. We go way back — all the way to our days at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan — and in this episode, we reflect on the paths we’ve taken since. Though we started in the same place, our journeys through the design world couldn’t be more different.This episode is packed with insights for young designers, creative thinkers, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build a career in design — especially coming up in the fast-paced, competitive landscape of New York City. We talk about the early struggles, the creative grind, and the moments that shaped us, both personally and professionally.We also dive into Steve’s current role at FanDuel, where he leads the charge on some of the brand’s most impactful and innovative campaigns. As VP and Executive Creative Director, Steve blends strategy, storytelling, and a passion for big ideas to push creative boundaries in the world of sports entertainment.Whether you're just starting out or deep in the game, there’s a ton to take away from this one.Keywordsadvertising, design, problem solving, creative process, client relationships, metrics, agency, internal roles, presentation, audience understandingSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Matthew Walker and Steve Giraldi explore the multifaceted world of advertising and design, discussing their personal journeys, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of problem-solving and aesthetics in creative work. They delve into the dynamics of client relationships, the significance of metrics, and the shift from agency to internal roles, emphasizing the need for effective communication and presentation skills. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of navigating the creative landscape, ultimately underscoring the importance of understanding audience needs and market demands.Takeaways• Creative work is fundamentally about problem-solving.• The aesthetic aspect of design is important but secondary to meeting client needs.• Effective communication with clients is crucial for successful outcomes.• Metrics and data are essential for evaluating the success of creative work.• Transitioning from agency to internal roles changes the dynamics of creative work.• Team collaboration enhances the creative process and outcomes.• Presentation skills are as important as the creative work itself.• Understanding the audience is key to effective advertising.• Creative briefs are vital for guiding the design process.• The future of advertising will continue to evolve with technology and audience expectations.Titles• Navigating the Creative Landscape: Insights from Industry Experts• The Art of Problem Solving in AdvertisingSound Bites"It's all problem solving.""You can never be prepared enough.""The creative brief is vital."Chapters00:00Introduction to Creative Journeys05:03The Evolution of Advertising and Design12:43Problem Solving in Creative Fields19:10The Dynamics of Client-Side vs Agency Work28:03Navigating Internal Creative Processes34:47The Value of Creative Talent40:09Navigating the Pecking Order in Creative Teams46:16The Perception of Authority and Humor in Leadership57:00The Evolution of Web Design and Client Expectations01:09:43The Art of Minimalism in Design01:16:31The Importance of Listening and Understanding Client Needs01:25:04The Role of Creative Briefs in Successful Projects01:29:52Understanding the Business Side of Creativity01:35:13The Evolution of Advertising and Television's Role01:39:53The Complexities of Marketing and Brand Perception

Jeff Pearlman is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and podcaster renowned for his deep dives into the world of sports and its larger-than-life figures. With a career spanning over two decades, he has authored 10 books, including acclaimed titles like The Bad Guys Won (chronicling the 1986 Mets), Boys Will Be Boys (exploring the '90s Dallas Cowboys), Showtime (adapted into the HBO series Winning Time about the Lakers dynasty), and The Last Folk Hero (a definitive biography of Bo Jackson). Known for his meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Pearlman has interviewed thousands of subjects to uncover the human stories behind athletic triumphs and scandals. Beyond books, he hosts the popular podcast Two Writers Slinging Yang, where he engages fellow writers in candid conversations about craft and life. A former Sports Illustrated and Newsday writer, Pearlman’s work blends nostalgia, grit, and humor, cementing his status as one of sports journalism’s most distinctive voices. Raised in Mahopac, NY, he transformed a small-town upbringing into a prolific career that continues to resonate with readers and listeners alike.

Welcome to the Pie Guy Podcast, hosted by Matt Walker! This show is all about deep, meaningful, and fun conversations with people from all walks of life—covering everything from design, entrepreneurship, sports, wrestling, relationships, psychology, and beyond.So, why Pie Guy? It was my mom’s nickname for me, a name that brings back warmth, love, and memories. When I was searching for the perfect podcast name, it just felt right. This podcast is a reflection of all the important parts of me—things even lifelong friends might not know.A little about me: I’m a father of four, a designer, a problem solver, and a coach. I’ve spent nearly 30 years working in web and product design for companies like ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and FanDuel. I’ve also coached youth sports for over 15 years, where I learned the power of preparation, persistence, and resilience.What’s coming up? Expect a mix of insightful and entertaining conversations with incredible guests. We’re kicking things off with my good friend Adam Martin, followed by a WrestleMania preview with an old high school pal. Later, I’ll be joined by a lifelong friend and therapist to dive into relationships, success, and personal growth.Thanks for tuning in! This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to grow and improve with each episode.